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Vitamin D for Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

B Good Evidence At least one randomized trial supports this, with mostly consistent results.

A meta-analysis found vitamin D supplementation was associated with significantly improved SCORAD scores in atopic dermatitis patients, particularly those with documented vitamin D deficiency.

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B

The Bottom Line

A meta-analysis found vitamin D supplementation was associated with significantly improved SCORAD scores in atopic dermatitis patients, particularly those with documented vitamin D deficiency.

Key Study Findings

Observational Study n=573
Vitiligo: Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics in 573 Saudi Patients.
Dose: None vs: None Outcome: Vitiligo prevalence and clinical characteristics Effect: None None

Population: Saudi patients with vitiligo (573)

retrospective observational with Mendelian randomization
Association of vitamin D with risk of warts: A retrospective and Mendelian randomization study.
Dose: None vs: Placebo Effect: OR 1.86 (95% CI 1.19-2.92) 0.007
Review
Nutritional Supplements for Skin Health-A Review of What Should Be Chosen and Why.
Dose: 14 nutritional compounds (vitamins, minerals, etc.) vs: None Outcome: Skin health and barrier function Effect: None None

Population: General population (skin health review)

Review
The Role of VD/VDR Signaling Pathway in Autoimmune Skin Diseases.
Dose: None vs: None Outcome: hair regrowth Effect: None None

Population: None

Case Reports
Vitamin B12 and Atopic Dermatitis: Any Therapeutic Relevance For Oral Supplementation?
Dose: None vs: None Outcome: Atopic dermatitis symptoms Effect: None None

Population: Patients with atopic dermatitis

Other
Nutrition and Atopic Dermatitis.
Dose: None vs: None Outcome: None Effect: None None

Population: None

Key Statistics

12

Studies

1800

Participants

Positive

B

Grade

Referenced Papers

Journal of Nippon … 2021 26 citations
Alternative therapies in … 2021 10 citations
Journal of the … 2020 57 citations
Actas dermo-sifiliograficas 2019 43 citations
American journal of … 2018 138 citations
Clinics in dermatology 2016 19 citations
The Cochrane database … 2012 130 citations
Acta scientiarum polonorum. … 2012 11 citations

Dosage & Usage

mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units

Commonly Used Dosages

general:
600-800 IU/day (RDA)
skinhealth:
1,000-4,000 IU/day (targeting 30-50 ng/mL serum 25(OH)D)

Upper limit: 4,000 IU/day (IOM); many experts consider up to 10,000 IU/day safe

Dosages Studied in Research

Dosage Duration Effect N
None -- Neutral 573
None -- Mixed --
14 nutritional compounds (vitamins, minerals, etc.) -- Positive --
None -- Mixed --
None -- Positive --
None -- Positive --
None -- Positive --
92.1% 36 weeks Positive 38

Best taken: With meals containing fat for better absorption

Safety & Side Effects

Reported Side Effects

  • Generally well-tolerated at recommended doses
  • Hypercalcemia at very high doses (nausea, vomiting, weakness)
  • Kidney stones (rare, at excessive doses)

Known Interactions

  • Thiazide diuretics (may increase calcium levels)
  • Corticosteroids (may reduce vitamin D absorption)
  • Orlistat and cholestyramine (reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins)
  • Calcipotriene (additive vitamin D effect)

Tolerable upper intake: 4,000 IU/day (IOM); many experts consider up to 10,000 IU/day safe

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Vitamin D help with Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)?
Based on 12 studies with 1,800 participants, there is moderate evidence from clinical studies that Vitamin D may support Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) management. Our evidence grade is B (Good Evidence).
How much Vitamin D should I take for Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)?
Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 600-800 IU/day (RDA). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
Are there side effects of Vitamin D?
Reported side effects may include Generally well-tolerated at recommended doses, Hypercalcemia at very high doses (nausea, vomiting, weakness), Kidney stones (rare, at excessive doses). Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
How strong is the evidence for Vitamin D and Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)?
We rate the evidence as Grade B (Good Evidence). This rating is based on 12 peer-reviewed studies with 1,800 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.

References

  1. [1] Mohammed Ibrahim AlJasser. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2024. Vitiligo: Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics in 573 Saudi Patients. doi:10.2147/CCID.S499794 PubMed
  2. [2] Yuting Cao et al.. Skin Res Technol. 2024. Association of vitamin D with risk of warts: A retrospective and Mendelian randomization study. doi:10.1111/srt.13911 PubMed
  3. [3] Jacek Januszewski et al.. Medicina (Kaunas). 2023. Nutritional Supplements for Skin Health-A Review of What Should Be Chosen and Why. doi:10.3390/medicina60010068 PubMed
  4. [4] Yilan Zeng et al.. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2023. The Role of VD/VDR Signaling Pathway in Autoimmune Skin Diseases. doi:10.2174/1389557523666221124123206 PubMed
  5. [5] Davide Chesini Ms et al.. J Diet Suppl. 2022. Vitamin B12 and Atopic Dermatitis: Any Therapeutic Relevance For Oral Supplementation? doi:10.1080/19390211.2020.1860180 PubMed
  6. [6] Naoko Kanda et al.. J Nippon Med Sch. 2021. Nutrition and Atopic Dermatitis. doi:10.1272/jnms.JNMS.2021_88-317 PubMed
  7. [7] Basak Yalici-Armagan et al.. Int J Clin Pract. 2021. Paediatric lichen sclerosus et atrophicus: A retrospective analysis of 38 paediatric patients. doi:10.1111/ijcp.14661 PubMed
  8. [8] Kathleen M Coerdt et al.. Altern Ther Health Med. 2021. Vitamins A, B, C, and D: A Short Review for the Dermatologist. PubMed
  9. [9] R Z Conic et al.. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2020. Comorbidities in pediatric alopecia areata. doi:10.1111/jdv.16727 PubMed
  10. [10] Amare Abera Tareke et al.. World Allergy Organ J. 2020. Prenatal vitamin D supplementation and child respiratory health: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. doi:10.1016/j.waojou.2020.100486 PubMed
  11. [11] F J Navarro-Triviño et al.. Actas Dermosifiliogr (Engl Ed). 2019. Vitamin D and the Skin: A Review for Dermatologists. doi:10.1016/j.ad.2018.08.006 PubMed
  12. [12] Elio Kechichian et al.. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2018. Vitamin D and the Skin: An Update for Dermatologists. doi:10.1007/s40257-017-0323-8 PubMed
  13. [13] Ozlem Atan Sahin et al.. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2016. The association of residential mold exposure and adenotonsillar hypertrophy in children living in damp environments. doi:10.1016/j.ijporl.2016.07.018 PubMed
  14. [14] Meagen McCusker et al.. Clin Dermatol. 2016. Nutrition and skin: Kids are not just little people. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2016.07.004 PubMed
  15. [15] Fiona J Bath-Hextall et al.. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012. Dietary supplements for established atopic eczema. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005205.pub3 PubMed
  16. [16] Carlos Lifschitz. Acta Sci Pol Technol Aliment. 2012. New actions for old nutrients. PubMed
  17. [17] W SCHUCHARD. Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 1955. [The treatment of alopecia areata and of dyshidrotic eczema with milk protein bound vitamin D 2]. doi:10.1055/s-0028-1116437 PubMed

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.